The Green Bay Packers used the 78th overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft to select South Dakota State tight end Tucker Kraft, who will join with Luke Musgrave to give Jordan Love two new dynamic weapons.
Here’s our instant analysis of the Packers taking Kraft in the third round:
Zach Kruse
What’s better than adding one huge, super athletic pass-catching tight end for Jordan Love on Day 2? Adding two, of course. In Kraft, the Packers are getting another big target who can run, play inline and make stuff happen after the catch. The goal for the Packers had to be getting one of the “Big Six” tight ends in the class. In Kraft and Luke Musgrave, the Packers delivered two of the six, completing rebuilding the tight end room in one night. Musgrave and Kraft should be the new best friends of Love, who got a ton of help from Brian Gutekunst on Friday.
Brandon Carwile
Brian Gutekunst took advantage of a deep tight end class by selecting two in the first three rounds. First Luke Musgrave and now Kraft, who is another athletic pass catcher with tremendous upside. He will have to prove he can produce against better competition, but Kraft has deceptive speed to threaten defenses up the seam and also brings physical toughness as a blocker. Should compete with Musgrave for TE1 duties.
Brennen Rupp
A high school running back, Tucker Kraft is one of the best YAC threats at tight end in the loaded class. He has natural pass-catching abilities and bursts in and out of his breaks. He’s an exceptional blocker and keeps his legs driving at contact. The Packers just landed a well-rounded tight end for Jordan Love.
Paul Bretl
The Packers add another top athlete at the tight end position with Kraft. He adds a well-rounded skill-set to the tight end room with his versatility, ability to make plays with the ball in his hands, and the physicality he brings as a blocker. Kraft’s presence in the offense can help keep the defense off-balance and open things up for Matt LaFleur as a play caller.
